Review of Bugsy Malone

Disclaimer: By The way this is a really long review

A review of The Rattonians Youth Group Production of Bugsy Malone.

I went to watch The Rattonians Youth group on opening night, Wednesday 30^th October 2013. Over the previous few days I had heard rumours that not all was going as planned but I was confident they would rise to the challenge as they always do and put on a brilliant performance, and I was more than right.

Each performance was slick and even when some may have had small lapses in memory they covered it with style and confidence. I have to begin with a review of Grace Allen. Her voice was stunning through every song, matched perfectly by style and timing. Her Blousy attitude and all the scenes with Alex were played perfectly and I was extremely proud seeing her go from strength the strength after seeing her performance in Just So earlier in the year. Alex Dry as Bugsy conveyed confidence when on stage alone, explaining the changes in storyline with character and class. Seeing him all grown up since Oliver he is developing his craft and could potentially be someone to look out for in the future on the west end. James Tomlinson always makes me smile. His characterisation is always spot on from his mannerisms and physical appearance to the voice he uses. When he got angry at the boys I couldn't stop giggling. Another potential star in my eyes. Aaron Wilder dazzled me with his dance skills. Yet again his singing was effortless as he strode across the stage but with the amazing choreography, by the equally amazing Laura Sivers, he added to his performance. Becka Wyatt looked beautiful and sounded beautiful. The style of song was perfect for her voice and matched with the dancing routine made me love her character. A slightly seductive edge that matured her performance effectively. Rhys Clarke was fabulous as the evil Dandy Dan. Accompanied by his despicable gang of accomplices I was thoroughly entertained. I wish I could mention every person by name but we would be here forever because there is something I could say about every one of you.

I have to shout out to the wonderful costume and props provided by the Rattonians but organised, made, fixed, altered and made fabulous by Pat Saunders. She works extremely hard to make sure the show looks perfect and does a wonderful job every time. Always lovely backstage making sure you are okay and just generally being an amazing woman. It would not be the same if she wasn't around just for a quick smile.

Choreography as always doesn't need any explaining. As per-usual Debbie Hackett pulls out all the stops to create dance moves tailored to the specific style asked of her. I am always excited to see each sequence and step as it makes you smile just by doing it. The stand out dances were Fat Sam's Grand Slam, Down and Out and Bad Guys. How they manage to fit all those children on the stage I'll never know but allowing so many children to appreciate the quality of dance she provides is wonderful.

With Alex Adams' direction the production took full form. Each scene flowed into the other with an effective use of lighting and sound effects. Then to take on the role on stage controlling the show put a lot of pressure on his direction but all the transitions worked effortlessly. Even his one line off-stage was heard without microphones and was easily recognisable as him.

Carl as always looked as if he was 'enjoying' himself, even but grabbing a hat that had fallen off onto the front of the stage and placing it on his own head for the remaining of the show. And again as always the music sounded beautiful, a band the west end would be proud to play with.

But, can we just mention the Splurge. There was masses of it fired in 'shots' all over the stage which Aaron did an exquisite job in clearing every time a mess was made. At the very end when everyone and everything was covered in Splurge I was terrified for all of you dancing. When I saw Grace slip my heart was in my mouth it seemed I was willing you all to stay on your feet, and for that performance at least you all did.

All in all a performance all of you should be extremely proud of as I was very proud of you all. Sharing the stage with talented youngsters as yourselves is an honour and a privilege. The atmosphere backstage is always so excitable and friendly you can always find someone to talk to. Such a tight knit group it feels almost like family. Well done.

 

 

From now on I’m going to just talk about my brother as I am biased and cringey like that.

Kieran made me both jealous and proud all at once. For his second show with the Rattonians he was at the front, on a microphone, had parts and responsibilities, as well as giving a great performance. You can tell his love for musical theatre has grown. He is behaving as a role model to other members as well as being strict. He has made some great friendships. Unfortunately, me and him are probably just as equally hard to costume as we are the total extremes in size. His tall thin figure made the suits and hats made him look very funny and accentuated his ears which I found hilarious. I love him to pieces and miss him very much at University and wherever he ends up going to college next year I’m sure he will excel and get exactly where he wants to in life with some great qualifications. Well done smelly.

Missing

Missing

 

Imagine one boy and one girl trapped in an ongoing love circle. And I know what you are saying, don't you mean triangle but no.

 

Visualise this. A girl with hair that flows freely, like the colour of golden autumn leaves just after they have fallen off the trees. No matter how she wears it, it always looks perfect. Skin that looks as if it has been sculpted by angels it fits so perfectly. A complexion any hormonal teenager would die for, not a blemish or a mark in sight. Her eyes the colour of topaz gems with their own special sparkle that hides a secret. The cute little freckles and dimples that accentuate her inner child and the innocence she so clearly lost a long time ago. For below her chin lies a woman's figure detailed with curves and undulations any man would be oh to happy to gander upon. For she is not a child, she is 24 and alone. You may ask why, this description of a girl so lucky with looks that only a personality with a heart of stone and the emotional capacity of a radiator could destroy. Because that is complete nonsense.

People often mistake being over emotional with having no emotions at all. They believe that just because someone is socially awkward it means they do not like you or feel hurt in your company. It takes a special person to understand that just saying come join me isn't invitation enough. Unfortunately our woman, our woman has a past. Everyone does but her past is full of disappointment, death and demise. When only a girl her parents were divorced then died, you would think tragic enough to loose a family through choice but not by accident. She began her decent into darkness facing the prospect of self harm and abandonment of soul, contemplating suicide and planning illusions to hide her distress. Until at the age of only 18 she discovered companionship.

I say only 18 as if that is such a small age as when you think of the time she still has to live 18 is still childhood. She is an adult but only by law. Not in body or soul or heart. Companionship can mean many things. To one it may be a simple hug from a loved one but to Collete it was as if she had been reborn.

A boy that looked like a man. Dressed all in green from head to toe. An army suit, hat and boots completing the ensemble. He could not have been much older than 23 at the time as hair sprung from his face in sharp strands shaping his face and highlighting his lips. His hair protruding from underneath the folds of his hat was a dark chocolate brunette, silky in look but soft by touch. From a distance his eyes seemed inviting and full of stories that Collete wished to hear. A calm in his eyes that could only be earnt through the realisation and terror of war. He limps forward one leg straight from the knee the other bending and struggling under his weight. A flash of silver bounces into Collete's eyes off the ankle of the solider, a metal fixture hidden under the uniform of heroes...

To be continued...

Updating the log

Hello,

So back on my life blogs. Nothing too interesting has happened, life just continues as per normal.

University has been getting better. Been attempting to mingle with people and keep meeting some really nice people. Still not as easy as it looks but it's better.

 

Went home last weekend after my mum came up to visit. Had a great time, met up with some of my closets friends. One who I think about every day who has kept me sane over Skype whilst I've been here and I don't think I could have managed without. One who is completely bonkers who I just chatted about the most random of things with for 3 hours on a bench in the freezing cold. And by last and no means least someone who makes me smile by the thought of me knowing I made them happy, someone who I look up to when performing but who I also regard as my little sister.

 

Can't forget the fabulous Rattonians youth group and their wonderful portrayal of Bugsy Malone. I was so proud and almost in tears waving back at you during the finale. I will be posting my proper review of that on Friday so keep your eyes peeled. (Never understood that saying)

 

Talking about Friday, I'm coming back again this weekend which is odd after going home only last week. Got to admit travelling with a suitcase on the underground alone for the first time is terrifying but I'm a big girl now so have to learn to deal with it. Grow up and learn to stand on my own two feet. (Again another saying I don't understand, I means who else's feet have I been standing on?)

 

I could probably write down like this for hours and tell you my whole life story but I don't think you will stay here and read that long so I think I will stop for now but try and make this a more regular thing.

Lots of Love to everyone back home, hope to see some of you on Saturday.

Goodnight.

University life

Wrote a little acrostic poem to describe things you should consider when at university.


Utilise the kitchen space
Never take food from others
Invest in a lot of junk food
Visit your flatmates rooms
Eat a lot of pasta
Respect your flatmates sleeping patterns
Skype people every night
Insure all your possessions
Try to make friends
You will survive


I will write a new life blog tomorrow so be on the lookout

Goodnight.